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Cupid’s getting his bow and arrows ready – Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it! For us POD sellers, that means prime money-making season has arrived. Time to conquer the first big retail holiday of 2024!
When considering what to sell for Valentine’s Day this year, think about trendy, gift-worthy products that will appeal to your target audience. But we can’t just throw any old romantic prints up on our shops and expect sales. Choosing trendy, gift-worthy products is key to coming out on top this V-Day. In this article, we’ll discuss some trending print on demand goodies for this year. We’ll also share proven practice to seriously boost your Valentine’s sales, and tackle some FAQs you may have about slinging these lovey-dovey goods.
Let’s jump right in!
What to sell for Valentine’s day: 10 top selling POD gift ideas
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans spent a whopping $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day 2023, making it the second-highest spending year on record. That’s a 4.1% increase over 2022, but you know what’s even crazier? Online shopping scooped up over $20 billion, or 80.3% of total spending. Talk about the power of ecommerce!
Seems like inflation and digital shopping fever both stoked the flames. Either way, the numbers speak for themselves – Valentine’s day is big business, and more folks are cozying up to their computers instead of braving the malls.
So if you’re wondering what to sell for Valentine’s day, let’s dive into the most profitable POD products for this romantic season and score some Valentine’s Day success!
Ornament
Ornaments make small but meaningful V-Day gifts that keep the romance alive year-round! These mini masterpieces aren’t just for trimming the tree – they can be used as a lovely decor item all season long.
Get creative with the materials – laser engrave wood, ceramic or acrylic. Or go customizable and etch your couple’s names, wedding date or silly pics on aluminum.
Get creative with materials like engraved wood, ceramic, acrylic or aluminum. Offer a custom design featuring your couple’s names, wedding date or anniversaries. Don’t forget to go beyond the holiday classic ball shape too. Most print on demand ornaments can be custom-shaped, meaning that you can design them in almost every shape and size to cater to all your customer’s preferences.
Pro tip: Merchize offers a wide variety of ornaments with various materials. From the classic crystal-clear acrylic ornaments to the unique shaker ornaments filled with customized charms, or laser cut wood shapes for a unique silhouette ornament. Make sure to check them out!
Reward jar
This V-Day, give the gift of new adventures and steamy surprises. And our reward jars just add up some playful passion to any relationship! With custom jars and charms, you can design one as unique as your love. For example, you can fill it with sweet nothings, cheeky dares, pampering treats or even frisky suggestions to heat up the bedroom. Get creative with the contents!
Pulling a new surprise out of the jar will give your customers excitement and laughs while keeping the romance alive. It’s a great way to freshen up date nights for couples who’ve been together awhile.
So if you’re still in search of what to sell for Valentine’s day, our reward jars are totally the go-to option that gives lovebirds something to remember, and look forward to, all year long.
Custom shape photo night light
A custom shaped photo night light lights up your sweetie’s heart (and bedroom) and keeps them cozy all night long! Think about it: a soft, glowing beacon with a cute pic of you two on your wedding day or favorite vacay. The soft light and custom image will warm their heart before bed.
This night light isn’t just a lamp, it’s a love projector beaming 16 romantic rainbow shades. Moreover, it runs all night long – just like your relationship. And speaking of longevity, this little night light burns bright for 10,000 to 20,000 hours. That’s basically a decade without needing to change a bulb. Talk about commitment!
Go beyond basic shapes with personalized silhouettes like a heart, rose, or your initials intertwined. Add a punny engraving like “You light up my life" for extra laughs.
Just remember, with so much cuteness concentrated in one tiny lamp, we can’t guarantee they won’t frame it instead of using it.
Acrylic plaque
Acrylic plaques are the hot new way to say “I love you" this Valentine’s Day! Their crystal clear surface makes the perfect backdrop for romantic sayings, special dates, or artsy designs capturing your relationship’s magic.
To cash in on this trend, think outside the box with your plaque offerings. Along with classic touches like engraved hearts, tangled initials, song lyrics from your couple’s jam, or lines from their favorite rom-com, give shoppers a chance to personalize further by uploading photos. A custom pic transforms these plaques into a one-of-a-kind gift reflecting the true depth of their connection—and the quality Instagram post for their feed. With creative designs that speak from the heart, your acrylic plaques will be making lovers swoon this Valentine’s Day!
Keychains
A customized keychain is a sweet gift that stays close at hand (not just metaphorically). It’s like a whisper in their ear every time they grab their keys – but without the creepy staring (unless you’re into that, in which case, maybe a scented candle is more your vibe).
Think about it: a tiny token of your endless love, nestled right amongst their car keys and that mysterious gym membership card. Imagine their delight as they pull out a keychain etched with your shared inside joke, or a picture of your first time cooking together. No more fumbling for keys in the dark – each jingle will be a sweet reminder of your brilliance (and impeccable gift-giving skills).
Plus, with our endless options, you can find the perfect one to match their personality – a sleek metal heart keychain set, an acrylic keychain with the picture of you two, or even a miniature replica of your pets!
So this Valentine’s Day, skip the clichés and give a gift that keeps on jingling. Merchize’s customized keychains are a reminder that love is in the little things, the everyday moments, and the occasional misplaced keys.
Candles
When it comes to Valentine’s gifts, candles are a classic gift that never goes out of style. Candles provide a cozy ambience for a romantic dinner, relaxing bath, or just spending quality time together. For lovebirds, it’s a chance to give their Valentine something stylish yet heartfelt.
A flickering flame sets the mood for romance – and custom-printed candles take it to the next level!
These candles become extra heartfelt with the chance to personalize the packaging. Add your couple’s names, wedding date, or a cute quote like “You light up my life!" for a thoughtful touch. The customized container makes your candle gift stand out from the rest and suit every Valentine’s vibe.
Mugs
A personalized mug is the key to anyone’s heart! Let your lovebirds start each day with a boost of romance (and caffeine) by designing mugs just for their loved ones.
These mugs level up their morning coffee by letting lovers wake up to a loving message. Or for cozy nights in, curl up with matching mugs printed with inside jokes and cute doodles.
If you’re selling print on demand mugs this Valentine’s day, do more than just add names and dates – highlight special quotes or naughty puns to make their mug totally one-of-a-kind. With today’s printing techniques, the options are endless. Give your customers a gift that makes them smile every time they take a sip.
Couple apparel
Apparel makes delightful Valentine’s Day gifts because matching couple pieces create lovely shared memories. A customized shirt or accessory reminds sweethearts of their bond every time they wear it. For couples who want to showcase their relationship, apparel with heartfelt designs or phrases makes a perfect present. Consider these playful yet stylish offerings for your POD store:
- T-shirts and tank tops: These casual pieces allow couples to showcase their bond while enjoying romantic adventures together.
- Hoodies and sweatshirts: Cozy printed styles are perfect for cuddling up in, ideal for chilly February days.
- Pajama sets: Comfy pajama sets are perfect for a night filled with snacks, movies and relaxing together.
- Underwear: A playful gift choice, yet an intimate essential item. Opt for fun prints, colors or styles while keeping comfort in mind.
- Accessories such as hats, socks, or gloves: These items provide thoughtful finishing touches.
You can also check out our guide on best shirt material to choose the right shirt fabric.
Valentine cards
According to a report by the Greeting Card Association, Valentine’s Day is the second-largest greeting card occasion in the United States, after Christmas. A survey by Statista found that in 2023, 43% of Americans planned to purchase greeting cards for Valentine’s Day.
Not only being classic and timeless, cards are a great complement to any Valentine’s gift. Along with classic poems and red roses, get creative with unique designs, customizable features, or cards with special touches, such as pop-ups. Anything personalized really makes an impression. It shows you took the time to make their card one-of-a-kind!
Offer a wide range of styles to appeal to all your lovebird customers. Give them sweet and sentimental, funny and quirky, or customize-it-yourself. Having variety makes sure you’ve got the perfect card for them to show their honey bunny some love this February 14th!
Offer a wide range of styles to hit all the feels – sweet and sentimental, funny and quirky, or customize-it-yourself. Having variety makes sure your shop will be the hot spot for that special someone to pick out just the right note for their sugar plum!
Phone case
Want to bring your customers a gift they’ll love as much as their phone? Custom printed phone cases let love birds show off your love every time they check notifications! Phone cases are also one of the most practical and affordable gifts for Valentine’s Day. Phone cases don’t just protect phones from dings and scratches – they also spice up your phone’s look. It’s protection with personality!
Make your phone cases unique with cute couple’s pics, romantic doodles or even song lyrics. For long distance lovers, design matching cases with their nicknames or anniversary date. Whenever they glance at their phone, the printed case will remind them just how much you care.
How to boost revenue with top selling Valentine’s gifts
Now that you’ve got the perfect product lineup, a love potion brewed from the finest ingredients of originality and passion. But wait, how do you make sure hearts aflutter land on your doorstep instead of your competitor’s? Don’t panic, we’ve got some winning tactics to turn your store into a heaven for smitten shoppers:
Decorate your store with love dazzle
Remember, many customers don’t realize Valentine’s day is coming until you give them a sign! Be the gentle reminder that romance is in the air (and on their screens). Turn your shop into a virtual love nest, a haven for love birds in search of the perfect gift. We’re talking about red and pink-based colors, adorable hearts, flowers, and love symbols to maximum Valentine’s vibes. Just remember, keep it playful, not pushy.
Make it simple and convenient
Don’t make your customers overwhelmed with numbers, promotions, and terms & conditions! Make their journey smooth and stress-free by highlighting trending products, organized categories, and easy-to-understand promotions. Skip the confusing descriptions and checkout puzzles that make your brain ache. Keep things clear and easy online, and watch clicks turn into love (and happy customers)!
Urgency – the spice of love
Let’s face it, procrastination is practically a national pastime. So, give your customers a gentle nudge towards action. Countdown timers ticking away on your website, limited-edition offers expiring at midnight, and “last chance to avoid the wrath of Cupid" banners – these are your weapons of choice. Create a sense of urgency that whispers, “Buy now, or forever regret your lack of romantic zeal!"
Email marketing – Cupid’s digital darling
Don’t let your lovebirds fly away! Email marketing is your secret weapon for staying top-of-mind. Craft irresistible campaigns showcasing your Valentine’s Day offerings, pepper them with witty love puns, and sprinkle in exclusive discounts and early access deals.
Think of your inbox as a virtual love letter, personalized and irresistible. Just remember, avoid the dreaded spam folder – stick to relevant offers and keep the frequency tasteful.
FAQ on Valentine’s day gifts to sell
What makes a Valentine’s Day gift win?
Picture this: Valentine’s Day, a symphony of sighs and smitten whispers. Shoppers swarm, seeking the perfect token of affection. While everyone else offers boring chocolates and tired teddy bears, your product shines brighter than a thousand heart-shaped balloons!
So, why settle for predictable plops on your shelves when you can craft a cupid-approved selection that catapults your sales into the stratosphere? Get ready, for it’s time to become a love-potion-brewing champion of commerce!
We believe that the top selling valentine’s gifts share something in common:
- Love-related: Chocolate and roses are timeless, but too predictable. Let’s embrace classic symbols of affection with a twist! Jewelry whispering sweet things with a delicate inscription? Absolutely. Flower bouquets sculpted into adorable animal shapes? Why not! Just remember, subtlety ain’t Cupid’s strong suit.
- Hobby-related: A perfect gift should celebrate their passions, not just their existence. No generic “World’s Best Girlfriend/Boyfriend" mugs here! Soothe their yoga flows with a comfortable outfit, or embrace their wanderlust with a custom luggage cover. Cater to their inner enthusiast, even if it involves a love for competitive tiddlywinks.
- Personalized: Go beyond mass-produced sentimentality and craft tokens truly unique. Imagine a keychain adorned with shared memories, notebooks overflowing with inside jokes, or calendars chronicling your love story month by month. Make the ordinary extraordinary, one engraved mug or photo-printed phone case at a time. Let your products whisper “you" in every detail.
When is it too late to sell POD valentine products?
The golden window for starting selling for Valentine’s day is 4-8 weeks before the big day. This time frame gives your customers time to look around, find a suitable gift and make a purchase. It will also allow POD sellers to have the product designed, packed and delivered on time. However, there will also be last-minute shoppers, so you can offer them some products from the local area that can be shipped quickly.
For example, products from Merchize’s US Factory can be processed in just 1-3 business days and whisked off within 3-5 business days anywhere in the US. So, if a customer springs an urgent order on you, recommending some of Merchize’s US products ensures a timely delivery you can count on.
